diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 4a71d57..b36ac82 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -104,6 +104,23 @@ done:
 
 ---
 
+## Keeping the app up to date
+
+Once in a while you'll be sent an updated version with fixes or improvements.
+Updating is one step:
+
+1. Double-click **`update.command`** in the `ocr-grade` folder.
+2. A Terminal window opens, downloads the newest version, and tells you when it's
+   done. Close it when it says so — that's it.
+3. The first time, your Mac may say the file is from an "unidentified developer."
+   If so: **right-click `update.command` → Open → Open**. You only do that once.
+
+Your login, your Mistral key, and anything you've already downloaded are kept — the
+update only replaces the app itself. Afterwards, start the app as usual by
+double-clicking `start.command`.
+
+---
+
 ## Privacy
 
 Each student's name and ID are blacked out on your computer **before** any page is sent
diff --git a/update.command b/update.command
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..b36e694
--- /dev/null
+++ b/update.command
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+# Double-click this file to update the Exam Transcriber to the newest version.
+#
+# It downloads the latest version and installs it over this folder. Your saved
+# settings (the .env file with your key and password) and anything already in
+# your Downloads folder are left completely untouched.
+#
+# The whole script is wrapped in { } so it is fully loaded before it runs — that
+# way it can safely replace itself with the newer copy.
+{
+  cd "$(dirname "$0")" || exit 1
+
+  echo "Updating the Exam Transcriber…"
+  echo "(This just needs an internet connection and takes a few seconds.)"
+  echo ""
+
+  TMP="$(mktemp -d)"
+  ZIP="$TMP/latest.zip"
+
+  # Download the latest version straight from GitHub. 'curl' is built into macOS
+  # (it is the same tool the setup used to install uv) — no extra software needed.
+  if ! curl -LsSf "https://codeload.github.com/briacSck/ocr-grade/zip/refs/heads/main" -o "$ZIP"; then
+    echo "Could not download the update. Please check your internet connection and try again."
+    rm -rf "$TMP"
+    echo "Press any key to close." ; read -n 1 -s -r ; exit 1
+  fi
+
+  if ! unzip -q "$ZIP" -d "$TMP"; then
+    echo "The downloaded update looked damaged. Please try again in a minute."
+    rm -rf "$TMP"
+    echo "Press any key to close." ; read -n 1 -s -r ; exit 1
+  fi
+
+  # Copy the new files over this folder. The download contains only the app
+  # itself, so your .env settings and your scans/transcripts are never replaced.
+  cp -R "$TMP"/ocr-grade-main/. .
+  rm -rf "$TMP"
+
+  echo ""
+  echo "Done — you are now on the latest version."
+  echo "Close this window, then start the app as usual by double-clicking start.command."
+  echo ""
+  echo "Press any key to close." ; read -n 1 -s -r
+  exit 0
+}